Try Mint, Ginger and the BRAT Diet to Settle an Upset Stomach

Many people have begun using homemade remedies for common ailments. One of the most common ailments that people look for alternatives to over the counter medicines is upset stomach. Homemade remedies for an upset stomach don't require anything harder than waling to your cupboard or refrigerator.

GINGER Remedy

The first homemade remedy for upset stomach is one that I swear by. It worked for me for morning sickness and just about any other time I have had a belly ache. Simply make yourself a cup of hot tea; I prefer chamomile. Add about a teaspoon of ground ginger and stir thoroughly. Some of it will settle on the bottom, but it is still effective. Other options for ginger are chewing on whole ginger root, sipping on ginger ale, or using a ginger tea.

MINT Remedy

Mint is another good remedy from the spice rack. Steep mint leaves in boiling water and make an herbal tea. If you don't have mint on hand, simply take a peppermint candy or even a candy cane and let it soak in hot water till dissolved completely. Do not just use the candy by itself because the sugar may upset your stomach more.

BAKING SODA Remedy

For gas pains, one of the oldest homemade remedies is baking soda. Dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda into warm water and drink. You may want to drink it fairly quickly as it does not taste very good. You will probably pas a lot of gas after this remedy, but if you have uncomfortable gas bubbles in your stomach or intestines, that is the best thing to alleviate the pain.

The BRAT Diet Remedy

If your stomach is upset and is causing diarrhea, start yourself on the BRAT diet. That is Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. Be sure not to use apple juice or apples, but apple sauce. Toast should not have anything on it.

Two remedies I have not tried, but have been highly acclaimed are the Condiment Remedy and the Yogurt Remedy.

The CONDIMENT Remedy

Now this homemade remedy is a little odd sounding. For upset stomach, mix 1 ½ to 2 tablespoons of ketchup with ¾ tablespoon of yellow mustard. After it is well mixed, eat the entire mixture. Personally, I am not sure if I could handle this one. It is important though not to eat it on anything.

The YOGURT Remedy

If you are not lactose intolerant or dairy sensitive, you can also try the Yogurt remedy for upset stomach. Eat plain yogurt. No fruit on the bottom or mixed yogurt. Plain yogurt will replace the good bacteria in your belly to help relieve the upset.

Other alternatives include using a heating pad or a tube sock filled with uncooked rice and heated in the microwave (be sure to tie the end) to relieve the pain or nausea. You can also simply drink warm water with lemon to "move" your bowels if constipated. If you have a virus or bacterial bug, add honey to the warm water and lemon. Honey is a natural antibiotic. You can also try drinking plain room temperature water. Never drink cold water as this can make your stomach muscles "freeze" up, causing more pain.